Why use Xylanase Enzymes in Poultry and Pig production?

Dr Stuart Wilkinson
Stuart.wilkinson@feedworks.com.au

The nutritional value of grains and other raw materials is negatively affected by their
dietary fibre content. A key component of soluble and insoluble dietary fibre is
arabinoxylan which is found in plant cell walls.
The negative effects of arabinoxylan in dietary fibre include:
Insoluble Fibre
• Acting as a physical barrier to the animal’s own enzymes, encapsulating useful
nutrients
Soluble Fibre
• Increasing digesta viscosity leading to:
- Decreased feed intake by slowing the passage rate of digesta in the gut
- Reduced nutrient utilisation as the animal’s own enzymes cannot easily reach their
substrate
- Wet litter or soft/watery faeces due to detrimental changes to the gut microflora
Insoluble and Soluble Fibre
• Wasting valuable energy and protein/amino acids as the animal needlessly
produces more of its own enzymes that are inappropriate to deal with dietary fibre
Using an effective xylanase enzyme targets the arabinoxylan fraction (see table
below) of the fibre in many raw materials e.g. grains, grain by-products and
vegetable protein meals. Xylanase improves digestion and reduces production costs
by releasing nutrients, reducing digesta viscosity and the production of excessive
secretions into the gut; reducing variability in the feeding value of grain and other raw
materials, improving litter quality and faecal consistency.

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 rain Arabinoxylan content (%) Arabinoxylan Solubility (%)
Wheat 6.0 25
Rye 8.5 33
Triticale 5.7 24
Barley 7.4 12
Corn 3.9 8
Wheat Middlings 16.5 10
Corn DDGS 12.7 10
Soybean meal 3.8 21
Canola meal 6.5 22

The product we use and recommend is Danisco® Xylanase which is a preparation of

endo-1,4-ßxylanase produced by Trichoderma reesei. Danisco® Xylanase is
designed and extensively tested for use in pig and poultry diets. This is from the
company that developed the original commercial application of enzymes for animal
feed, so we have great confidence in their products and support.
One of the important services developed by Danisco is Avicheck. Avicheck™
describes dose response relationships for Danisco Xylanase according to grain
‘quality’ – as assessed by Avicheck™ in vitro viscosity measurements of grain
samples sent to a designated lab. We’ve used this for over 20 years and it is
especially important with new seasons grains to understand what pig and poultry
producers are dealing with each year. It’s also a valuable tool to make economic
decisions on the most appropriate dose rate of Danisco Xylanase ™.
In summary improving digestibility of grains with xylanase, especially wheat and
barley, allows for improved FCR, ADG and litter quality. All leading to improved
profitability by using xylanase in broiler and pig production.
If you have any questions or would like further information on our experience using
xylanase, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stuart.wilkinson@feedworks.com.au
+61 (0) 414 487 882

www.feedworks.com.au